The truly changed, truly converted, truly Christian heart can say with John Newton, โI am not what I ought to be. I am not what I wish to be. I am not what I hope to be. Yet I can truly say, I am not what I once was. By the grace of God, I am what I am.
Mark DeverLet's say that you want to do everything out of the joy that comes from knowing the Lord. Well, a lot of people aren't built like that emotionally. If they think that some sort of feeling is the basis for their action, they are going to feel justified sitting around, although they are going to feel bad that they have never taken one step of obedience because their heart is cold.
Mark DeverChristian proclamation might make the gospel audible, but Christians living together in local congregations make the gospel visible (see John 13:34-35). The church is the gospel made visible.
Mark DeverDo you want to know that your new life is real? Commit yourself to a local group of saved sinners. Try to love them. Donโt just do it for three weeks. Donโt just do it for six months. Do it for years. And I think youโll find out, and others will, too, whether or not you love God. The truth will show itself
Mark Dever